Pollyanna

As soon as Pollyanna arrives in Beldingsville to live with her strict and dutiful maiden aunt, she begins to brighten up everybody's life. The glad game she plays, of finding a silver lining in every cloud, transforms the sick, the lonely and the plain miserable -- until one day something so terrible happens that even Pollyanna doesn't know how to feel glad about it.

Heidi

Summary: When orphaned Heidi goes to live with her grandfather, no one can imagine the bitter, solitary old man caring for a child. But, to everyone's surprise, the two grow to love each other - and Heidi blossoms in her new home
First published: 1880

Iris's Ukulele

New Zealand author
Iris wants to be the best rapper and ukulele player in the whole of the entire universe. Preferably with her best friend ever, and fellow Master of the Musical Universe, Sidney, at her side.

They're writing a rap musical together - about werewolves and vampires.

Mega stardom awaits, Iris is sure of it. All they have to do is win the talent show at the mall.

But just when she thinks their path to fame is assured life becomes increasingly complicated.

A Wizard of Earthsea

The first book of Earthsea is a tale of wizards, dragons and terrifying shadows. The island of Gont is a land famous for wizards. Of these, some say the greatest - and surely the greatest voyager - is the man called Sparrowhawk. As a reckless, awkward boy, he discovered the great power that was in him - with terrifying consequences. Tempted by pride to try spells beyond his means, Sparrowhawk lets loose an evil shadow-beast in his land. Only he can destroy it, and the quest leads him to the farthest corner of Earthsea.

Let's Make Pancakes

Inside back cover has glossary
"Have you ever made pancakes? It's not hard to do if you follow the recipe carefully. Before you start, you need to wash your hands. What ingredients will you use? What tools will you need to get ready?" (from inside cover)

The Trumpet of the Swan

Meet Louis - the most extraordinary swan ever!

Louis the Trumpeter Swan is born without a voice. So, with the help of his good friend Sam, he learns to read and write! But this does not solve the problem of how to woo the lovely Serena. It is Louis's father who comes up with a brilliant solution - something which leads Louis to exciting adventures, fame and fortune.

Anne of Green Gables

Aladdin paperback edition
First published in 1908
Summary: When Anne Shirley arrives at Green Gables, she surprises everyone: first of all, she's a girl, even though Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew specifically asked for an orphan boy to help around the farm. And second of all, she's not just any girl: she has bright red hair, a wild imagination, and can talk a mile a minute. But she also has a sweet disposition and quick wit, and Anne soon finds her place in Avonlea, making a friend in her neighbor Diana Barry and attending the local school, where she spurns the advances of the popular and handsome Gilbert Blythe when he commits the ultimate sin of making fun of her hair. Anne has a temper as fiery as her hair and a knack for finding trouble, and she also has a big heart and a positive attitude that affects everyone she meets

The Last of Maui's Dolphins

New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrator
Summary: Hiriwa, a new calf, is warned by the pod of Maui's dolphins about the dangers of going near the dark shapes (fishing boats). Hiriwa heeds their warning until one day the bottom-set gillnet from a fishing trawler catches his friends. He does all he can to save them. (Publisher)

Munkle Arvur and the Bod

Summary: Munkle Arvur lives in a beautiful canyon with a crystal-clear creek and a variety of wildlife, until the Bod comes and dumps his rubbish in the canyon. Gradually the canyon fills up. It is up to Munkle Arvur to find a way to rescue the canyon - by recycling the waste! A story on the importance of being kind to the environment. (Publisher)
New Zealand author

Grandma McGarvey and the Treasure Hunt

Summary: Grandma McGarvey mows her lawn and discovers something hidden in the ground. A story in rhyme. Suggested level: junior